THE Great Western Hospital has been accused of giving patients unhealthy meals after a picture was shared on social media which appears to show an A&E patient receiving a bowl of cornflakes for dinner.

The image includes a bowl of cereal with milk and sugar on a tray along with a packet of biscuits.

Shocked Twitter users have responded to the picture, calling the meal "disgustingly unhealthy" and "hardly nutritious".

But the hospital has defended the meal choice, saying that its priority is treating critically ill patients quickly.

Eastcott parish councillor Patrick Herring wrote: "Cornflakes with a side of... biscuits? That's not even a good breakfast...

"Is this an acceptable meal for an inpatient? No fruit/veg, no protein, far too few calories for a main meal. What's going on?"

A nutritionist, who originally shared the picture, pointed out: "Nutrient poor meals will hinder recovery. Protein is essential for cell and tissue repair and health immune function"

"That's dinner? Cornflakes?" another tweeted.

"Meals should be protein rich and filling," a third added.

A GWH spokesman responded to the criticism and said: "Food is so important but our priority in the Emergency Department is to treat critically unwell patients as quickly as possible.

"Patients admitted to our wards are offered a menu of healthy, nutritious, and balanced meals.

"Despite a much smaller menu in ED, patients do still have a choice.”